Difference between revisions of "Talk:Microprocessor"
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:: Thanks. I think I'd like to see at least one occurrence outside Xerox PART for it to be worthwhile. [[User:Larsbrinkhoff|Larsbrinkhoff]] ([[User talk:Larsbrinkhoff|talk]]) 07:39, 8 April 2021 (CEST) | :: Thanks. I think I'd like to see at least one occurrence outside Xerox PART for it to be worthwhile. [[User:Larsbrinkhoff|Larsbrinkhoff]] ([[User talk:Larsbrinkhoff|talk]]) 07:39, 8 April 2021 (CEST) | ||
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| + | ::: The term "microprocessor" was sometimes used to describe the unit that decoded the microcode in CPUs designed before the arrival of the "microprocessor" as we know it. I had a look on a couple of manuals for the [[NORD-10]] (1973) and the term is occasionally used there (and that's presumably why it's also used in the page linked here on the Wiki, which was originally from Wikipedia in its earliest form). The concept of using microcode for a processor was something I believe the designers of the NORD-10 brought over from the US, and presumably they brought the terminology as well. When I checked the documentation for the later [[ND-100]] (1979), a compatible, slightly larger system with newer technology, the term 'microprocessor' was only used to describe the bit-slice units used, not the microcode decoder. This was of course after the "modern" microprocessor CPU had been introduced. [[User:Tor|Tor]] ([[User talk:Tor|talk]]) 09:52, 8 April 2021 (CEST) | ||
Revision as of 08:52, 8 April 2021
Another meaning
"Microprocessor" also meant "microcoded processor" in some circles. I have seen it used about the Alto and MAXC processors, so maybe it was a PARC thing. If those two examples are all I can find, I will not bring it up any more. Larsbrinkhoff (talk) 20:56, 7 April 2021 (CEST)
- Hunh. I have never heard that one; I've always heard the term 'microcoded' for that. I wouldn't mind listing it as 'rare second meaning', if you think it's desirable. Jnc (talk) 21:57, 7 April 2021 (CEST)
- Thanks. I think I'd like to see at least one occurrence outside Xerox PART for it to be worthwhile. Larsbrinkhoff (talk) 07:39, 8 April 2021 (CEST)
- The term "microprocessor" was sometimes used to describe the unit that decoded the microcode in CPUs designed before the arrival of the "microprocessor" as we know it. I had a look on a couple of manuals for the NORD-10 (1973) and the term is occasionally used there (and that's presumably why it's also used in the page linked here on the Wiki, which was originally from Wikipedia in its earliest form). The concept of using microcode for a processor was something I believe the designers of the NORD-10 brought over from the US, and presumably they brought the terminology as well. When I checked the documentation for the later ND-100 (1979), a compatible, slightly larger system with newer technology, the term 'microprocessor' was only used to describe the bit-slice units used, not the microcode decoder. This was of course after the "modern" microprocessor CPU had been introduced. Tor (talk) 09:52, 8 April 2021 (CEST)
